Which is Better between the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje? A Very Detailed Review.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Japanese Spitz and for the Kooikerhondje. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Japanese Spitz or the Kooikerhondje.

Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje

Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Japanese Spitz belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Kooikerhondje belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz to the Kooikerhondje based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje

Factor Japanese Spitz Kooikerhondje
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1600 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Spitz in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Kooikerhondje. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Kooikerhondje. So, you should get the Japanese Spitz!

Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje

Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are most different:

  • Japanese Spitzs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Kooikerhondjes do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train. However, Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.
  • Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje

    The Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are most similar:

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje.

    Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kooikerhondjes weigh 20 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Kooikerhondjes are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Kooikerhondjes is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Kooikerhondjes is 13.0 years.

    Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje
    Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Kooikerhondje

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Kooikerhondje?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Kooikerhondjes require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kooikerhondje?

    Japanese Spitzs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Kooikerhondjes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Kooikerhondje

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Kooikerhondjes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Kooikerhondjes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Spitz or the Kooikerhondje?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Japanese Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kooikerhondjes are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Japanese Spitzs and Kooikerhondjes?

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Kooikerhondje?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Kooikerhondje?

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Spitz that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Japanese Spitz:

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Kooikerhondje vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kooikerhondje

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kooikerhondje that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kooikerhondje:

  • Lakeland Terrier (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Lhasapoo (75 percent match with Kooikerhondje). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Lhasapoo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Japanese Spitz and how the Kooikerhondje compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Spitz and of the Kooikerhondje to other breeds:

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Cavapoo     Japanese Spitz versus English Setter     Japanese Spitz versus Pomchi     Japanese Spitz versus Papipoo     Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje     Japanese Spitz versus Basenji     Japanese Spitz versus Lhasa Apso     Japanese Spitz versus Boxerdoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Lowchen     Japanese Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Kai Ken     Japanese Spitz versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Shiba Inu     Japanese Spitz versus Cesky Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Bluetick Coonhound     Japanese Spitz versus Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Biewer Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Pekingese     Japanese Spitz versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Kuvasz     Japanese Spitz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Toy Fox Terrier     

    Kooikerhondje Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kooikerhondje versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Doberman Pinscher     Kooikerhondje versus Leonberger     Kooikerhondje versus Barbet     Kooikerhondje versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Kooikerhondje versus Bulldog     Kooikerhondje versus Frenchton     Kooikerhondje versus Saint Berdoodle     Kooikerhondje versus American Water Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Cavapoo     Kooikerhondje versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Sussex Spaniel     Kooikerhondje versus Papillon     Kooikerhondje versus Great Pyrenees     Kooikerhondje versus Frenchton     Kooikerhondje versus West Highland White Terrier     Kooikerhondje versus Shih Tzu     Kooikerhondje versus Afador     Kooikerhondje versus Carolina Dog     Kooikerhondje versus Basenji     Kooikerhondje versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Kooikerhondje versus Cavachon     Kooikerhondje versus Saluki     Kooikerhondje versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Kooikerhondje versus Shiba Inu     

    Conclusion: Japanese Spitz versus Kooikerhondje. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Japanese Spitz and the Kooikerhondje better suits you and your family.